Outboard Motor Parts Explained: A Guide to Your Boat's Power System Your powerful outboard motor is the heart of your boating adventures. But it doesn’t operate in isolation. A whole system of components and accessories works in tandem to ensure smooth performance, reliability, and longevity. Let’s explore these crucial parts and why they deserve your attention. The Powerhead: Your Outboard’s Core Think of your outboard’s powerhead as the engine itself. It houses the cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, and the components that generate the power to turn your prop. While internal repairs might require a mechanic, understanding the basics gives you insights...

Decoding Boat Motor Warranties: What You Need to Know A reliable boat motor warranty is like an insurance policy for your boating adventures. But, with varying terms and conditions, choosing the right coverage can be overwhelming. Let's break down the essentials of boat motor warranties so you can make informed decisions with confidence. What Does a Boat Motor Warranty Cover? Boat motor warranties generally protect you against faulty parts and manufacturing defects. If a part fails within the warranty period due to a problem with how the engine was made, you'll be covered for repair or replacement. However, it's important...

A Fisherman’s Guide to Choosing the Right Boat Engine A powerful and reliable engine is a fisherman’s best friend. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Let’s simplify the process! This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting the ultimate fishing boat engine for your needs. Outboard Power: Matching Engine Size to Your Boat Finding the right horsepower is like hitting the sweet spot for your boat. Too little, and you’ll be chugging along at a snail’s pace. Too much, and you’ll burn through fuel without gaining...

Boat Fuel Efficiency: How to Get the Most Out of Your Outboard Motor Fuel efficiency is a crucial aspect of boating that impacts both the environment and your wallet. In the world of outboard motors, understanding and optimizing fuel usage is key to a cost-effective and eco-friendly boating experience. This guide dives into the importance of fuel efficiency for boat owners, explores the critical fuel components of outboard motors, and provides actionable tips to enhance your boat's fuel efficiency. The Importance of Fuel Efficiency in Boating Fuel efficiency goes beyond just saving at the pump; it's a cornerstone of modern,...

Discovering the Best Small Boats with Motors: A Compact Guide Ready for some water-bound adventure but don’t want the hassle of a big vessel? Small boats with motors are your ticket to freedom on the waves. These compact powerhouses pack a punch, perfect for solo fishing trips, cozy family outings, or just some peaceful time on the water. Let’s dive into why small boats are a big deal, what makes a motor stand out, and spotlight some of the coolest models cruising the market. Benefits and Considerations for Small Motorized Boats Small boats with motors stand out for their ease...

Enhance Your Boating Experience: Top Outboard Motor Accessories When it comes to boating, the right outboard motor accessories make all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just starting out, equipping your boat with the right accessories enhances performance and ensures your equipment’s safety and longevity. In this guide, we’ll explore a range of essential accessories you can find right here at OnlineOutboards.com. Essential Outboard Motor Accessories for Every Boater We offer a comprehensive selection of accessories to complement and enhance your outboard motor’s performance. Let’s dive into some of the most popular categories: Control Cables Smooth navigation is...

How to Choose the Perfect Engine for a Boat Choosing the right engine for your boat is more than a technical decision; it’s about enhancing your boating experience. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or new to the waters, the perfect engine can transform your adventures. This guide delves into key considerations, supported by examples and tips, to help you find the engine that best fits your boating lifestyle. Understanding Your Boat’s Requirements Every boat has its unique needs. The size and weight of your boat are crucial in determining the right engine. For instance, a 15-foot fishing boat might thrive...

Flushing an Outboard Motor: A Step-by-Step Guide Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a nautical novice, understanding how to flush your outboard motor properly ensures its longevity and performance. Let’s delve into the flushing process, step by step, starting with why it’s so important. Why Flushing is Crucial for Your Outboard Motor Flushing an outboard motor is essential, particularly after exposure to saltwater. Saltwater can corrode internal components, while sediments can clog cooling passages. Regular flushing helps remove these harmful elements, preserving the engine’s health and efficiency. The Flushing Process: Step by Step Flushing an outboard motor involves running fresh water...

How Long Do Outboard Motors Last? An Expert Analysis and Care Guide Have you ever wondered how some boaters keep their outboard motors running like new, year after year? The key lies not only in how they use their motors but in the meticulous care they provide. In this guide, we'll reveal the critical factors that influence the lifespan of outboard motors and share insider tips to help you maintain peak performance for as long as possible. Factors Influencing the Lifespan of Outboard Motors When it comes to the longevity of outboard motors, several key factors play a pivotal role....

Do Sailboats Have Motors? The Science Behind Sailboat Propulsion When you think of sailboats, you might think of vessels with tall masts and billowing sails, harnessing the power of the wind to glide gracefully across the water. But a question that comes up, especially among those new to the boating world, is: “Do sailboats have motors?” Let’s dive into the science behind sailboat propulsion and how technology has impacted sailboats. The Traditional Wind-Powered Sailboat Sailboats are designed to be propelled by sails. The sails capture the wind’s energy, converting it into forward motion. The art and science of sailing involve...

The Rise and Ride of Inflatable Catamarans: Exploring Options, Features, and Performance The boating world has seen many innovations over the years, but none are as versatile and exciting as inflatable catamarans. These lightweight, durable, and high-performance vessels have become the go-to choice for many water enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a newbie looking to dip your toes into the world of boating, this guide will help you navigate the vast ocean of options, features, and performance metrics of inflatable catamarans. Why Choose an Inflatable Catamaran? Portability at its Best Inflatable catamarans redefine portability. Unlike traditional boats, they...

In 2022, Tohatsu celebrated its 100th anniversary. As one of the most trusted outboard manufacturers, Tohatsu continues to innovate for customers around the world – just so they can feel the wind. It comes as no surprise to us that the company is a century strong and still motoring.With a one-of-a-kind, powerful motor comes great responsibility for all Tohatsu Outboard dealers. However, we’re not all built the same. When investing in a new Tohatsu Outboard, it’s critical to ensure you’re purchasing it from a trusted, licensed dealer.But how do you know who you can trust online? We’re here to help...

Inflatable Boats and Outboard Motors An unlikely pair has become the ultimate water duo – inflatable boats and outboard motors. The combination of the two in recent years has provided die-hard fishermen, duck hunters, rescue workers, and water lovers of all kinds with unforgettable experiences.Here at Online Outboards, we’re proud to sell a top inflatable boat brand. We’re an exclusive dealer of Takacat Inflatable Catamarans. These one-of-a-kind inflatables are lightweight and assemble quickly and easily.While we’re already loving the ease, durability, and endless hours of water adventure fun these inflatable boats provide, we understand our customers still have a lot of great...

Your Guide to Longer Mercury Motor Life Ensuring the longevity of your Mercury outboard, especially in the popular 2.5-25 HP range, requires regular care. These motors, known for their reliability and efficiency, need routine maintenance to maintain peak performance.     We’ll guide you through the essential steps: freshwater flush, changing the engine oil, replacing the fuel filter, and changing the gear lube. Mercury Freshwater Flush A freshwater flush is crucial after every outing, especially if you’ve been in saltwater. Start by connecting a garden hose to the motor’s flush attachment. Turn on the water (but not the engine) and let...

The Best-in-Business Warranty Honda Marine is best-in-class for many reasons: their powerful and dependable full line of four-stroke outboards, innovative technology, and commitment to keeping the environment clean for generations to come. To top it off, they maintain an unbeatable customer experience.The company’s 5-Year Warranty is exactly what you’d expect from Honda – an uncomplicated, built-for-you warranty that delivers true peace of mind. Honda Marine No Strings Attached Promise Seriously, there are no strings attached. All new Honda Marine outboard motors purchased for recreational use from Online Outboards (an authorized dealer) will be warranted against defects in material or workmanship...

The world of boat motors is constantly evolving. Even with the 2020 pandemic and supply chain struggles of 2021, many manufacturers produced exciting new outboards. The 4-stroke technology that companies such as Tohatsu, Mercury, Honda, and Suzuki are using is resulting in some of the most powerful, eco-friendly boat motors on the market yet.Now, the only decision you need to make is which is best for your water adventures: 2022 Tohatsu 8 HP MFS8BEFL Lightest 8 HP Motor in Its ClassThe Tohatsu 8 HP Outboard Motor model #MFS8BEFL is a two-cylinder, 4-stroke outboard motor which comes equipped with a 20-inch-long...

Whether you're fishing, floating with the family, or participating in another exciting water-related hobby, it's crucial to have a reliable motor. We believe 4 stroke outboards are ideal to get you out on the water doing exactly what you love.Here are the top advantages: Less Expensive to Operate Compared to their 2 stroke counterparts, 4 stroke outboards are about 50% more fuel-efficient. There are also money-saving benefits in the oil reservoir versus mixing oil in the gas with a 2 stroke. Improved Technology Promotes Longer Lifespan Oil reservoirs coat every internal component for constant lubrication. This keeps the engine and...

Mercury Marine has worked hard to innovate to make world-class outboards for over 75 years. Starting in a small shop in Wisconsin with faulty Thor Outboards in 1939, E. “Carl” Kiekhaefer, earned the legacy that is now the largest builder of marine propulsion systems in the world.Mercury Marine continues to set the standards for reliable, trouble-free performance. If you have a Mercury outboard or are considering purchasing one, there’s important information you need to know for the ultimate ownership experience. Outboard Care Can I start my engine momentarily out of the water?No. NEVER start or run your outboard motor without...

150,000,000 tons. More than the weight of 50,000 airplanes.That's roughly how much marine plastic waste is floating in the ocean right now. And every year, another 8,000,000 tons of plastic flow into the ocean. Plastic waste marine pollution has spread across the world. Microplastics have even been found in the uninhabited North and South Poles.Home to “The Ultimate Outboard Motor,” Suzuki Marine knew they had to do more than build great boat motors. So, they initiated the Suzuki Clean Ocean Project – a commitment to a cleaner environment. What is the Suzuki Marine Clean Ocean Project? The entire Suzuki Marine...

The Takacat portable inflatable boat is perfect for recreational adventures, professional organizations, teams, rescuers, fishermen, and explorers. Takacat's open bow design makes boarding from the water easier than other types of watercraft. This makes it perfect for pets who love to jump off for a cool dip in the water and for boaters of all ages and abilities.  Who is Takacat? Takacat is a growing and innovative New Zealand-based company located in the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland. The company opened its doors in 2007. Since then, it has been committed to bringing a new and exciting range of inflatable catamaran boats...

We’re proud to offer Tohatsu Outboards for sale. This company's passion for all things water-related is just one of the reasons we’ve chosen this meaningful partnership. Here’s their story:   Tohatsu Outboards for Sale: The Story Behind the Motor The Tohatsu Outboards team believes that boats are a kindred spirit to the sea, the river, and the lake. Boats immerse you in nature and navigate you to unforgettable experiences. And the outboard motor helps make all this possible. Outboard motors are about a whole lot more than just the specs. A truly great motor delivers it all—performance, safety, and the...

Love the idea of owning a boat but not the idea of spending all your hard-earned cash to make it a reality? You’re not alone! But fear not, it is possible to enjoy all the joys that come with being a boat owner, and still have money left over for the rest of life’s pleasures. Pay for only the power you need Boating on a budget is smart boating: don’t fall into the “bigger is better” trap when selecting the proper outboard motor for your boat. Small boats outfitted with oversized motors will be out of balance in the water...

In his song titled “Boats”, singer Kenny Chesney calls boats, “vessels of freedom, harbors of healing.” That sentiment is echoed by many boaters, as they connect with nature, relax with family and friends, and let the stresses of everyday life drift away. But emergencies can and do happen. Don’t be caught drifting helplessly with a dead engine, or unable to summon help in a medical or other emergency. Be prepared and well-equipped with the boat tool kit you need to keep everyone on board, and your boat, safe on the water. Top 10 Boat Tool Kit Items  Safety Gear Tool...

 While boat hulls can easily last many years, engines tend to show their age much sooner. If your outboard motor hasn’t been delivering like it should, it may be time for a change. Fortunately, that doesn’t necessarily mean buying a new boat. If you’re looking to upgrade your power source, increase fuel efficiency, and take advantage of digital instrumentation, repowering your existing boat may be the answer. While repowering your boat with a new outboard motor can be pricey, it costs a lot less than buying a new boat or continuing to spend money to fix an aging machine.   And...

Boat lovers are jumping on board to do their part for the environment—and to better enjoy the beauty of nature. They’re looking to a propane powered outboard boat motor solution for a quieter, more pleasant-smelling ride, with considerably less adverse environmental impact than gasoline.  Boat U.S. magazine, states that propane burns 50 times cleaner than gasoline, is non-toxic, and won’t harm marine life. And the positives keep adding up. While gas engines can leak dangerous fluids, emit an unpleasant gas smell, necessitate messy refueling, and can be difficult to start, propane motors offer enticing benefits. Propane outboard boat motor contains...

Owning and operating a boat of any type or size is a lot of responsibility. From the time your craft enters the water or pulls away from the dock until it’s removed from the water or properly secured back at the dock, you’re responsible for following boating safety rules to ensure the safety of your passengers and crew as well as complying with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing boating in the waters you’re navigating.   To help ensure that you and your passengers can enjoy your time on the water safely, you should always go through a...

Effective January 1, 2011, the U.S. EPA began requiring that all portable fuel systems manufactured for use with gasoline-powered marine engines in the U.S. produce zero evaporative emissions. What does that mean for you? If you don’t yet need to upgrade your portable outboard motor fuel tank or system, you don’t have to. The regulations apply only to the sale of new portable fuel tanks and components involving gasoline powered marine engines. They don’t apply to fuel systems used with diesel or propane powered motors. However, if you have a gasoline-powered engine, here are some important things you should know...

It’s Greener In recent years, increasing environmental regulations have led to the development of cleaner burning gasoline-powered outboard motors. But, in terms of their environmental sustainability, nothing has revolutionized the outboard engine market like the advent of propane-fueled motors. Propane outboards burn fuel 50 times – yes, you read that right, 50 times! – cleaner than even eco-friendly gasoline-powered outboards. They release very little in the way of greenhouse gases or toxic fumes. In fact, some propane-powered outboards have zero emissions! Easier to Start and Run More Smoothly Because propane fuel is pressurized, propane outboards start more easily. There’s no...

When choosing 4 stroke outboards – depending on the horsepower range you need for your craft – one of the decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want an electronic fuel-injected (EFI) engine or a standard, carbureted 4 stroke. From the Start First, when it comes to starting 4 stroke outboards, an EFI engine has the advantage. With no choke involved, it definitely makes starting your engine easier. Cost Because of the more sophisticated equipment involved in making them work, EFI outboards cost more than traditional 4 strokes. But, because of their many other advantages, you might find that an...

Boaters – and prospective boaters – invest considerable time in evaluating different types, makes and models of watercraft before purchasing a boat. But, when buying outboard boat motors, do they take enough time to ensure they're getting the outboard that's best for their boat and leisure activities? Not always. That's why we're here to help you choose an outboard that's right for you. First, how much power is needed in outboard boat motors? A good rule of thumb is that you'll need 5 horsepower per ton of boat. However, when considering factors such as head wind and rough waters –...

Whether you use your outboard in saltwater, freshwater or both, it’s important to clean and maintain outboard motors so that it will perform the way you want it to and provide you with many happy years of service. Always Consult Your Owner’s Manual  Because there are many brands, types and sizes of outboard motors, be sure to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions regarding your motor’s make and model. Safety First! Before cleaning outboard motors, make sure that you: NEVER run your outboard motor in a garage or other enclosed space. ALWAYS give your engine time to cool and...

Online Outboards and Honda Marine want to help you care for and maintain your Honda boat motors so that they will provide you with many years of successful use. From tips on maintaining and storing your Honda outboard in saltwater and cleaning and flushing your engine, to information about how to avoid fuel-related problems and change your gear case oil, the links below offer helpful online resources to keep your Honda boat motors running smoothly. Tips for Maintaining Honda Boat Motors Always consult your owner’s manual for information regarding your specific model. Operating and Storing Your Engine in Saltwater Cleaning and Flushing Your...

Online Outboards and Tohatsu want to help you care for and maintain your Tohatsu outboard motors so that it will provide you with many years of successful use. From giving you access to online owner’s manuals and step-by-step instructions for changing your lower unit oil, to helping you calculate the right gas-to-oil mixture ratio and answering your questions about Tohatsu’s TLDI® series 2-stroke engine, the links below offer helpful online resources to help you keep your Tohatsu outboard motors running smoothly. Tips for Caring for Your Outboard Always consult your owner’s manual for information regarding your specific model. The below...

Depending on the type of watercraft you have and the type of motor you need, you can find outboard motors that range from as light as just 13 kg/29.5 lbs for a 2.3 hp engine to as heavy as 497kg/1094 lbs for a 627 hp motor! To find the right size outboard motors for your boat size, the standard formula is to ensure that you have 5 hp per ton of boat weight. However, unless your activity or location is subject to hp restrictions, you may want to go for even more horsepower so that you’re equipped to take on...

Online Outboards and Suzuki want to help you care for and maintain your Suzuki outboard so that it will provide you with many years of successful use. From tips on caring for Suzuki outboards in saltwater and flushing your engine when you keep your boat in the water, to information about enhancing fuel efficiency and caring for your onboard battery system, the links below offer helpful online resources to keep your Suzuki outboards running smoothly. Tips for Caring for Suzuki Outboards Always consult your owner’s manual for information regarding your specific model. Caring for Your Suzuki Outboard Engine in Saltwater...

If you live in a climate that prevents you from using outboard motors year-round, it’s important to winterize so your motors will be ready to perform for you during the next boating season. Safety First Winterizing outboard motors can expose you to some hazardous substances. Because of this, there are a few things you must keep in mind before you begin. NEVER run outboard motors in a garage or other enclosed space. (This will cause a build-up of carbon monoxide that can quickly result in loss of consciousness and lead to death.) ALWAYS stop the engine and allow it to cool...

The answer to the question on the reliability of outboards all depends on who you ask. Read through the many forums on this subject and you’ll find everyone has an opinion on what makes for a reliable outboard based on different sets of criteria. Reliability Technological advancements in outboard engines over the past decade have increased the reliability and popularity of outboard motors. If you are looking to find a reliable outboard, be sure to know what your needs are and then do a little research. Needs First Before you begin your search, you have to know what your actual needs...

Outboard motors can range from $110 to nearly $90,000 depending on power, make, model, and other factors. Your specific needs will help you to decide what size and power motor you need, and from there, you can begin comparing brands in that range of power, with various options like electric starting, manual or power tilt, electronic fuel injection, etc. Here are some things to consider: How will you use your outboard? Weekend boaters looking for something to power their fishing boat or to ride around a lake or river every now and then may not need as much power or...

As you might suspect, this is not a simple question to answer. There is no one correct answer to this question due to the many variables that may affect how long an outboard motor will last. Brand 2- or 4-stroke engines gas vs. diesel Horsepower Fresh or saltwater use How often its used and for how long each run lasts How long it sits idle How diligently the maintenance routine is followed Following proper manufacturer winterization recommendations This is by no means an exhaustive list. Many Weigh In It seems many have an opinion on how long an outboard lasts,...